Entertainment
Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa’s literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy
Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa’s literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy
Ama Ata Aidoo, the acclaimed Ghanaian author and poet whose words danced upon the page with eloquence and power, has passed away at the age of 81. Throughout her illustrious career, Aidoo’s literary contributions touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide, painting vivid pictures of the African experience and challenging societal norms with unyielding courage.
One particular moment that encapsulated Aidoo’s indomitable spirit was her speech from her 1987 interview featured in the Afrobeat singer Burna Boy’s song, “Monsters You Made.” In this powerful anthem popularly titled “What would the world be without Africa?” Aidoo’s voice reverberated, intertwining with Burna Boy’s electrifying music to deliver a resounding message of resilience and liberation.
In her speech, Aidoo spoke with unwavering conviction, confronting the monstrous systems of oppression that have plagued her beloved continent for centuries. Her words, infused with wisdom and grace, echoed through the lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners across the globe. Through her participation in this musical masterpiece, Aidoo showcased her unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and bringing attention to the urgent issues that demanded attention.
But Aidoo’s impact extends far beyond this momentary collaboration. Born on 23 March 1942 in Abeadzi Kyiakor, near Saltpond, in the Central Region of Ghana, she blazed a trail as a fierce advocate for gender equality and social justice throughout her literary career. Her renowned novel, ‘Changes’ published in 1993, explored the complexities of a changing society, daring to challenge the norms and traditions that stifle progress.
Aidoo fearlessly ventured into uncharted literary territory, weaving narratives that highlighted the often-overlooked stories of African women. Through her celebrated works, including ‘Our Sister Killjoy’ and ‘Anowa’ Aidoo unapologetically exposed the layers of patriarchy, colonialism, and cultural tensions that constrained her society. With a masterful command of language, she wove these themes into a tapestry of beauty and resilience, empowering generations to question an
Beyond her written works, Aidoo was a trailblazer in the realm of education and activism. She championed the importance of education as a means of liberation, tirelessly advocating for the empowerment of African youth. Aidoo’s tenacity and intellect inspired countless individuals to dream beyond the constraints imposed upon them, sparking a fire of hope that continues to burn brightly today.
Over the course of her long and illustrious career, Aido continued to push the boundaries of African literature, experimenting with form and genre and tackling a wide range of social and political issues. Her works, which include novels, plays, and poetry, are characterized by their lyrical prose, incisive social commentary, and unflinching honesty.
She served as the Minister of Education in Ghana from 1982 to 1983, and later founded the Mbaasem Foundation, an organization that supports women’s writing in Africa.
As news of Aidoo’s passing spreads, tributes pour in from literary communities, scholars, and admirers around the world. Lola Shoneyin, a Nigerian author described Aidoo as her literary mother, a towering figure and feminist who taught her and always had the right words. She also sent condolences to her daughter Kinna Likimani who took after her mother’s footsteps becoming an editor and a literary critic.
Aidoo’s legacy as a literary icon and fearless activist will forever be etched into the records of African literature, and her words serving as a beacon of light for generations to come.Her passing is a loss not only for Ghana and Africa but for the entire literary world.
Her memory will forever be cherished, her works cherished, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she inspired. Rest in power, Ama Ata Aidoo, for you have left an indelible mark on the world.
-Businessday
Entertainment
Chioma attends Davido’s concert amid hubby infidelity allegation
Chioma attends Davido’s concert amid hubby infidelity allegation
Chioma Rowland, the spouse of renowned singer Davido, shunned critics by attending her husband’s concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Despite the recent rumours surrounding the singer’s alleged infidelity, Chioma appeared unfazed, joyfully dancing to his music while watching him perform.
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In the trending clip, Chioma flicked her middle finger, boldly displaying her dismissal of the critics and affirming her steadfast support for Davido without reservation.
Chioma’s bold demonstration of support at Davido’s concert has sparked reactions online, with fans applauding her loyalty and resilience.
Chioma attends Davido’s concert amid hubby infidelity allegation
–agency report
Entertainment
Junior Pope’s death: Angela Okorie, Zubby Michael in war of words
Junior Pope’s death: Angela Okorie, Zubby Michael in war of words
Following the death of Junior Pope, actress Angela Okorie has restarted her online fight with her colleague, Zubby Michael.
Okorie mentioned on her Instagram Story that Zubby was Junior Pope’s best man during his wedding, claiming that Zubby harbored envy and was never a genuine friend to him.
She restated her previous warning to him, declaring her plan to shame him whenever she was ready.
She criticized the actor’s behavior, highlighting his incapacity to build meaningful connections owing to envy and a fixation with being number one.
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She said: “Zubby you be Junior Pope’s best man for his wedding if am not mistaken. Na thunder go fire you Zubby. I tell you say you don buy market I told you and Mula that day that I will disgrace you that you should be ready for me, you are never anybody’s friend. Braaaaa you wicked reach inside your blood, you are too envious, you be number 1 but my artist fee na times 10 your own yet you dey jonse mugu, the world must start seeing your wickedness.
“These blood-sucking demons been doing too much. Speak up when you see evil. Junior Pope na person. E pain me say he die I swear.”
Okorie also exposed the industry and its fake love, noting that it was in the same industry, she was poisoned.
She added: “Junior Pope was one person in millions. Anyone who comes across him can testify. He is a very soft, non-problematic human, a happy soul. He is always about his family but sometimes to be that quiet no good cos people go just dey match you anyhow.
“They know I am one of the best things that has ever happened to Nollywood. Haters can argue if they like, but God no gree hahaha. You see this industry, they hate themselves no real love o. Do you know how many times these heartless people have poisoned me? Even before I was shot. Run from Nollywood friends. How much hate, what did I do? Nothing. Just because am doing well some of them wey no fit sing wan kill their selves.”
Junior Pope’s death: Angela Okorie, Zubby Michael in war of words
Entertainment
Yinka Davies to perform at Rotary Humanitarian Reporting Awards
Yinka Davies to perform at Rotary Humanitarian Reporting Awards
Sensuous Jazz singer, lyricist and vocalist, Yinka Davies, will perform and serenade guests at Rotary International District 9110 Humanitarian Reporting Awards (RHRA) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Ejezie, said, “The renowned jazz musician, lyricist, and dancer, Yinka Davies would entertain guests, journalists and Rotarians at the Rotary District 9110 Humanitarian Awards ceremony.”
Ejezie further stated that the award “is aimed at recognising and honouring journalists for their support of Rotary, the world largest service organisation.
She said, “The awards ceremony is aimed at strengthening the partnership between Rotary and the media by recognising journalists and media organisations with outstanding record of reportage of Rotary District 9110 and clubs humanitarian intervention projects in communities within Lagos and Ogun states.”
Chairman of the Awards Committee, Rotarian Ehi Braimah stated that the “awards would be presented in 15 categories,for coverage of Rotary clubs and District 9110 activities.”
The categories and nominees are the Best TV station in reportage of Rotary clubs and District 9110 activities: Arise News, Channels TV and TVC; nominees for Best newspaper in the reportage of Rotary humanitarian activities: The Guardian, This day and Telegraph; Best online newspaper in the coverage of Rotary District 9110 and clubs activities, nominees are: Legend News online, Brand Times Online and News Spy Online; Best TV station in online reportage of Rotary activities, nominees are: NTA, Arise News and TVC.
Other nominees are Outstanding journalist in the coverage of Rotary District 9110 and clubs activities: TVC’s Theophilus Elamah, Mosunmola Ogeolu, Arise News and Eniola Popoola, TVC; Outstanding print reporter in the coverage of Rotary District 9110 and Clubs’ activities, nominees are: The Nation’s Joseph Eshanokpe, The Guardian’s Isaac Taiwo and New Telegraph’s Tony Okuyeme; Outstanding club Public Image Chairman nominees are: Rotarian Ifeoma Williams, Rotary Club of Lagos; Rotarian Oyinlola Sale, Rotary club of Akowonjo and Rotarian B. Adesan, Rotary Club of Ajah Golden.
The Vice Chairman Awards Committee, Rotarian Olalekan Otun, stated, “The Provost of Nigerian lnstitute of (NIJ), Mr Gbenga Adefaye, would deliver the keynote address; Chairman of Channels TV Media Group, Dr John Momoh, is the special guest of honour, while former Minister of Health and past District Governor, Prince Julius Adelusi- Adeluyi, will be the guest of honour and Chief Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State and doyen of journalism in Nigeria, is will be chairman of the ceremony.
Rotary District 9110 covers Lagos and Ogun states and from July 1, 2024 it will evolve into two districts: District 9111 with Rotn Dr Wole Kukoyi and District 9112 Rotn Femi Adenekan as District Governors-elect respectively.
The RHRA sponsors are listed as over 52 advocates or independent donors and corporate sponsors such as Ollam Systems Ltd, BCIL Ltd, Grynx Index Initiatives, WE 2 Luv Babies Toys store, ADG logistics, Landmark media Ltd, Codros Capital Ltd, El- Bethel Nursery and Pry School, Acess Bank Plc, Adna Hotel Ltd, and Naija Times Online Newspaper Ltd.
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